Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Analysis & Commentary
Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. The revelation stuns: the king commands Haman to honor not Haman himself but "Mordecai the Jew"—Haman's personal enemy whom he came to request permission to execute. The irony is devastating: Haman must personally perform the honor he designed for himself, bestowing it instead on his mortal enemy. The king's command "let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken" ensures Haman cannot minimize the honor—he must execute his own elaborate plan fully, honoring the man he hates. The phrase "Mordecai the Jew" emphasizes the ethnic identity that motivated Haman's genocidal plot. God's providence creates this perfect reversal: Haman honors the Jew while his decree to destroy all Jews stands—demonstrating how quickly God can elevate His people and humble their enemies.
Historical Context
The king's command created impossible dilemma for Haman: refusing meant defying royal authority, but complying meant public humiliation. Persian court protocol required absolute obedience to royal commands. Haman had no choice but to proceed despite the devastating irony. The public nature of the honor—parading Mordecai through the city while proclaiming his favor—would be witnessed by thousands, including Jews who knew of the extermination decree. The juxtaposition of honoring one Jew while planning to exterminate all Jews would have created confusion and perhaps hope among the Jewish community. Archaeological evidence of Persian royal protocols confirms elaborate public honors including ceremonial robes, royal horses, and public proclamations.
Questions for Reflection
How does the irony of Haman honoring Mordecai demonstrate God's sovereignty in reversing circumstances and humbling the proud?
What does this reversal teach about how quickly God can elevate His people and bring down their enemies?
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Analysis & Commentary
Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. The revelation stuns: the king commands Haman to honor not Haman himself but "Mordecai the Jew"—Haman's personal enemy whom he came to request permission to execute. The irony is devastating: Haman must personally perform the honor he designed for himself, bestowing it instead on his mortal enemy. The king's command "let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken" ensures Haman cannot minimize the honor—he must execute his own elaborate plan fully, honoring the man he hates. The phrase "Mordecai the Jew" emphasizes the ethnic identity that motivated Haman's genocidal plot. God's providence creates this perfect reversal: Haman honors the Jew while his decree to destroy all Jews stands—demonstrating how quickly God can elevate His people and humble their enemies.